Multi-function striking bag

ABSTRACT

A multi-function striking bag includes a base and an adjustable length elongate member or post having lower and upper free ends. The lower free end is normally supported by the base in a substantial vertical orientation defining a vertical axis. A punching bag is supported on the upper free end. Two helical springs are spaced from each other along the post in-line with the post for providing flexing points where the springs are positioned. A flex-inhibitor is associated with each spring for selectively enabling an associated spring to flex and provide a flexing point or preventing flexing to prevent a flexing point. Each flex inhibitor includes a rod that is slidably mounted within the post and selectively movable between axial positions to engage or clear an associated helical spring.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention generally relates to exercising devices and, morespecifically, to a multi-function striking bag.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Numerous exercise devices have been proposed including punching bagdevices for boxing training and fitness workouts. Many such devices havelimited capabilities for being modified and normally target a singletype of workout. Other such devices that do provide for multiple typesof workouts tend to be complex in construction and expensive tomanufacture, as well as inconvenient to modify in a simple, quick andconvenient way.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,890,696 discloses a punching bag apparatus that uses aplurality of springs at the lower end of a post to selectively allow thepost to pivot about a ball on the base with orthogonal springs beingattached to the portion of the post that extends below the ball into thebase of the device. The post can be fixed at its lower end by sliding acylindrical bolt into an aperture or recess in the base. In thiscondition, the unit acts more as a punching speed bag. However, when thebolt is raised and the post is released, the post can effectively flexat the base by rotating with the ball. The upper end of the post isprovided with a spring that can flex and be telescopically receivedwithin the upper tubular end of the post. By retracting the spring intothe hollow post it is prevented from flexing while extending it outsidethe post allows flexing. However, the upper spring is never immobilizedbut retracted into the upper end of the post, requiring compensatingadjustments to the telescoping tubes to maintain a desired height of thepunching bag. Also, anchoring the post to the base is not practical withplastic or sand-filled bases commonly used today to facilitate storageand shipping.

The use of a rigid cuff for surrounding a spring is disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 5,899,835 to prevent or reduce flexing of the spring. However,the spring immobilizer is not permanently formed as a part of the deviceand is inconvenient to secure when desired. When the spring immobilizeris lost or misplaced, there is no way to immobilize or prevent thespring from flexing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide amulti-function striking bag that overcomes the disadvantages of prior orknown striking bags.

It is another object of the invention to provide a multi-functionstriking bag that is simple in construction and economical tomanufacture.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a multi-functionstriking bag that is portable and can be readily assembled andcollapsed.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide multi-functionstriking bag that allows in-line springs to become immobilized withoutchanging the height of a punching bag and therefore, avoiding the needto adjust the height of the post supporting the bag to compensate formovable springs.

It is a further object of the invention to provide multi-functionstriking bag the height of which can be easily adjusted to accommodateusers of different heights.

It is still a further object of the invention to provide multi-functionstriking bag as in the previous objects, that can be selectivelyconfigured to vary the range of and the speed at which the bag returnsto the user in response to various types of blows to the bag for boxingor sparring practice.

It is yet a further object of the invention to provide multi-functionstriking bag that allows a user to conveniently arrange the bag forrapid movements through relatively short arcs of movement or to arrangefor slower movements through longer arcs of movement.

It is an additional object of the invention to provide multi-functionstriking bag that can be made to provide two or more flexing points toincrease the flexibility and range of motions to accommodate specificexercise objectives.

It is an additional object of the invention to provide multi-functionstriking bag of the type under discussion in which the components forimmobilizing the in-line springs are secured to the bag supporting postso they are always available when needed and cannot be misplaced orlost.

In order to achieve the above objects, as well as others that willbecome apparent hereafter, a multi-function striking bag in accordancewith the present invention includes a base, an adjustable lengthelongate member having a lower free end and an upper free end. The lowerfree end is normally supported by the base in a substantially verticalorientation to define a vertical axis. A punching bag is supported atthe upper free end of elongate member. At least two flexing members inthe form of in-line helical springs are spaced from each other along theelongate member and arranged in line with said elongate member alongsaid axis for providing a number of flexing points along said axiscorresponding to the axial positions of said at least two flexingmembers. A flex-inhibitor is associated with each of said at least twoflexing members for selectively enabling an associated flexing member toflex and provide a flexing point or preventing flexing of an associatedflexing member to thereby preventing flexing point from being created atthe associated flexing member. Each flex-inhibitor is in the form of rodthat is slidably mounted axially within the elongate member and ismovable between axial positions that selectively permit or prohibitflexing of an associated spring.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Those skilled in the art will appreciate the improvements and advantagesthat derive from the present invention upon reading the followingdetailed description, claims, and drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a multi-function striking bag inaccordance with the present invention, shown in its normal, staticposition when not in use;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the upper end of themulti-function striking bag shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmented view of the lower portion of the adjustablelength elongate member shown in FIG. 1, shown in cross-section toillustrate details of assembly and operation of the flexing member orspring at the lower end of the striking bag;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the portion of the device shown in FIG.3, illustrating the method of assembly and method of mounting of theelongate member to the base;

FIG. 5 is a detail shown in perspective of the upper end of the elongatemember, with the internal rod in an upper-most position for inhibitingthe flexing of an associated helical spring at the upper end of theelongate member;

FIG. 6 is similar to FIG. 5, but showing the position of the internalflex-inhibiting rod lowered or retracted into the elongate member whenwithdrawn from within the upper spring to enable flexing of the spring;

FIG. 7 is a cross-section of the upper end of the elongate member withthe flex-inhibiting rod in its lowermost position as shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is similar to FIG. 7, but showing the internal flex-inhibitingrod in its upper-most position received within the upper spring,corresponding to the position shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a detail illustrating the locking mechanism for adjusting thelength of or relative telescoping positions of the tubes forming theelongate member for adjusting the height of the punching bag;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing in solid outline themulti-function striking bag in its static position and showing in dashoutlines positions that the post and punching bag can assume when theupper spring is immobilized and prevented from flexing while the lowerspring is permitted to flex;

FIG. 11 is similar to FIG. 10 but showing the elongate member or post ina fixed upright or vertical orientation when the lower spring isimmobilized and the upper spring is permitted to flex to allow thepunching bag to undergo rapid movements through short arcs;

FIG. 12 is similar to FIGS. 10 and 11, but showing the option in whichboth the upper and lower springs are permitted to flex so that the postand the punching bag can travel through longer arcs of movement relativeto the base while, at the same time, the ball is arranged for rapidmovements through relatively shorter short relative to the post;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the adjustable post shown in FIG. 1with both the flex inhibitors within the lower and upper tubes in theirinnermost retracted, spring flex enabling positions;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an alternate construction of a knob forsetting and limiting the movements of a rod of a spring flex inhibitorshown at an extreme end of a slot to enable rotation of the knob to fixor release the rod, and shown in a position in which a cam secured tothe treaded bolt prevents longitudinal movement of the knob along theslot;

FIG. 15 is similar to FIG. 14 but shows the knob and cam rotated orangularly displaced to allow the cam and attached rod to move from oneend of an associated slot to the other end thereof;

FIG. 16 is a partial view of the post shown in FIG. 13, broken away toshow an orientation of the cam to lock or block movement of the knob andassociated rod from the lower position shown into the slot whileenabling rotation of the knob;

FIG. 17 is similar to FIG. 16, but shows the cam in an orientation toenable sliding but not rotation of the knob as it moves from a lower tohigher ends of the slot;

FIG. 18 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a tube showingadjustment mechanism for a rod for an associated spring and the mannerin which the knob is secured in place to the tube and prevented frombeing removed after assembly; and

FIGS. 19-21 show a sequence for unlocking a lower flex-inhibiting rodand moving the rod to an intermediate position before the rod is removedfrom an associated spring to allow flexing thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now specifically to Figures in which similar or identicalparts are designated by the same reference numerals throughout, andreferring first to FIG. 1, multi-function striking bag in accordancewith the present invention generally designated by the reference numeral10.

The multi-function striking bag 10 has a base 12 shown in the form of ahollow receptacle for receiving water or sand as ballast. Prior to beingweighed down the base is lightweight and can be readily transported orshipped. While the base can assume any desired shape, it is shown as acylindrical base having a central region 12 a and a number of radialribs 12 b designed to strengthen the base when it has a thin wall andmade of a material such as plastic to strengthen the upper portion ofthe base in order to resist cracking or other damage when exposed tostresses during use. The base 12 can be filled with sand or water, asnoted, or any other suitable ballast material through an axial opening(not shown) in the central region 12 a or through any other cappedopening in the wall of the base.

An adjustable length elongate member 14 is provided that has a lowertube 14 a and an upper tube 14 b and formed as telescoping tubes thatcan be extended or retracted relative to each other to change theoverall length of the elongate member 14. The elongate member or post 14is normally supported by the base 12 in a substantially verticalorientation as shown to define a vertical axis A.

At least two flexing members are provided in spaced relation from eachother in line along the elongate member 14 along the axis A forproviding at least two flexing points along the axis corresponding tothe positions of the flexing members. In the embodiment shown, twoflexing members 16, 18 are in the form of helical springs having axesnormally aligned with the axis A. The springs 16, 18 are preferably hightension springs that have spring constants or coefficients selected toprovide the desired forces required for flexing or bending and restoringthe springs. Clearly, the higher the spring constants, the stiffer thesprings will be, the less they will flex when forces are applied and thequicker that they will revert to their straight un-flexed positions. Thespecific properties of the spring are not critical for the purposes ofthe invention and any suitable springs can be used for any givenapplication, age, exercise level or strength of the user. The adjustablemember or post 14 is provided with a height adjustment lock 14 c forselectively securing or fixing the lower and upper tubes 14 a, 14 brelative to each other.

A support member 20 is attached to the central region 12 a of the base12. Referring to FIG. 4, the support member 20 includes a round, flatdisc portion 20 a provided with angularly displaced holes 20 b. Acylindrical hub portion 20 c is integrally formed with disc portion 20 aas shown, and, optionally, enforcement ribs 20 d extend between the flatdisc portion 20 a and the hub portion 20 c to reinforce this supportmember against the stresses that are applied during use. Any suitablefasteners (not shown) can be used to secure the member 20 to the base 12by extending through the holes 20 b.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the cylindrical hub portion 20 c is providedwith an internal, spiral groove 20 e along the axis A that correspond tothe dimensions and pitch of the turns of the spring 16 so that thespring 16 can be threadedly engaged with the hub portion 20 d of thesupport member 20. Preferably, a finishing sleeve or cap 22 is providedto give a finished appearance to the top of the spring 16. The lowerfree end of the lower tube 14 a is threaded at 32 to correspond to thepitch of the spring 16 so that the post can be secured to the spring bythreading the free end 32 into the spring as shown in FIG. 3.

An in-line flex-inhibitor 24 associated with the lower spring 16 isshown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The flex-inhibitor 24 includes an internal rod24 a having a lower end 24 b that is configured to be received withinthe hollow cavity formed by the turns of the lower helical spring 16.The lower end 24 b of the rod 24 a may have a reduced diameter tofacilitate insertion of the rod 24 a into the spring 16 without engagingindividual turns of the spring.

The lower flex-inhibitor 24 includes the rod 24 a, as noted, and a knob24 c that is fixed to an externally threaded bolt B that extends througha spacer or pressure pad 24 d provided with a flat surface facing theknob 24 c and an arcuate surface facing the tubular member 14 a thatconforms to the outside surface of the tube as shown in FIGS. 4-6 and 9.The pressure pad 24 d is not threaded and the bolt B extends through thespacer with clearance for free movement therethrough. When the knob 24 cis rotated to the locking position, it advances into the rod 24 a untilpressure is applied on the pressure pad 24 d, which is captured betweenthe knob 24 c and the post 14. Tightening of the knob 24 c causes thepressure pad 24 d to bear against the outside surface of the tube 14 awhile, at the same time, drawing the rod 14 a against the inside surfaceof the tube to effectively squeeze the tube and apply a press-fit toprevent relative sliding movements between the rod 24 a and the tube 14a. When the knob 24 c is loosened, the bolt B can slide up or downwithin a vertical slot 34, the position and length of the slot beingselected so that when the knob 24 c and the bolt B are at the lowermostend of the slot 34, the rod 24 a is fully inserted within the helicalspring as shown in FIG. 3. However, when the knob 24 c and the bolt Bare raised to the uppermost position of the slot 34, the rod 24 a iswithdrawn from the interior of the lower helical spring 16 to clear itand allow the spring 16 to flex along its entire exposed axial length.In the lower position shown in FIG. 3, the rod 24 a acts as aflex-inhibitor for preventing the spring 16 from flexing or deviatingfrom the vertical axis A.

Referring to FIGS. 5-8, the flex-inhibitor 26 for the upper spring 18 isillustrated in its retracted and extended positions. The flex-inhibitor26 similarly has a knob 26 a secured to a screw or bolt 26 b threadedthrough a slot 38 into a threaded hole 40 a within a rod 40. At theupper end 40 b there is provided a cylindrical plug 42, preferably has asmooth low-friction surface and made of a material such as plastic,Teflon or the like. The plug 42 is dimensioned to have a diameter lessthan the smaller diameter of the upper helical spring 18 to ensuresmooth insertion without undesired engagement with the individual turnsof the spring.

The upper end of the tube 14 b is threaded at 36 to threadedly engage ormesh with the interior of the helical turns of the helical spring 18 sothat the spring 18 can be mounted on the post 14.

Referring to FIG. 2, the punching bag 30 is attached to the top of theelongate member or upper tube 14 b and has an upper rounded or sphericalportion 30 a and a neck portion 30 b rigidly attached to the tube 14 bby means of a threaded stud 30 c as best shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Thestud 30 c is arranged to be threadedly screwed into the upper helicalspring 18 and be supported thereby. A soft resilient cylindrical collar28, formed of a foam or other shock absorbing material, is dimensionedto cover and totally surround the upper helical spring 18. Preferably,the collar 28 is at least semi-permanently attached to the spring 18,such as with adhesive, so that it does not inadvertently slip and movedown and off of the spring. The collar 28 is configured and designed toabsorb the shock to a user who may inadvertently miss the punching bag30 and hit the spring 18.

With the rigid stud 30 c engaged with the upper turns of the helicalspring 18 and the upper tube 14 b threadedly meshed with the lower turnsof the helical spring 18, there remains an exposed length l_(s) of turnsthat remain unthreaded at the axial ends and that are able to flex. Thelength l_(r) of the rod 40 and the length of the slot 28 are selected sothat such movement of the rod 40 to the upper-most position occupies thelength l_(s) to thereby immobilize the turns of the spring 18 andprevent it from flexing.

Referring to FIG. 9, a height adjustment lock 14 c includes a knob 44 atthe upper end of the lower, larger diameter tube 14 a. The upper end ofthe lower smaller diameter tube 14 b is telescopically received withinthe lower tube 14 a. The high adjustment knob 44 is fixed to anexternally threaded bolt 46 that is supported by an internally threadednut 48 welded or otherwise fixed to the tube 14 a. By rotating the knob44 to a locking position, the screw or bolt 46 is advanced intoengagement against the inner tube 14 b to frictionally prevent movementsof the tubes relative to each other. To change the relative positions ofthe tubes, and therefore, the height of the punching bag 30, the knob 44is unscrewed to release the inner tube 14 b at which time it can belowered or raised as desired and then locked in place.

The presently preferred embodiment, as shown and described, has twoin-line helical springs 16, 18 and two in-line flex-inhibitors 24, 26having associated axial sliding rods for entering or being removed fromthe associated helical springs. It should be evident that additionalin-line helical springs and associated flex-inhibitors can be providedas desired, to increase the potential number of flexing points tothereby increase the potential for customizing the multi-functionstriking bag to the function(s) desired such as different flexingoptions, responsiveness or speed of the punching bag.

Referring to FIGS. 10-12, FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing themulti-function striking bag in its static position, in solid outline,and showing in dash outlines positions that the post and punching bagcan assume when the upper spring is immobilized and prevented fromflexing while the lower spring is permitted to flex;

FIG. 11 shows the elongate member or post in a fixed upright or verticalorientation when the lower spring is immobilized and the upper spring ispermitted to flex to allow the punching bag to undergo rapid movementsthrough short arcs.

FIG. 12 is similar to FIGS. 10 and 11, but shows the option in whichboth the upper and lower springs are permitted to flex so that the postand the punching bag can travel through longer arcs of movement relativeto the base while, at the same time, the ball is arranged for rapidmovements through relatively shorter arcs relative to the post.

The multi-function striking bag 10 can be used, for example, for cardioboxing and fitness workouts. It is also useful to increase reflexspeeds, hand and eye coordination as well as leg conditioning. In oneapparatus, therefore, multiple functions, workouts and benefits can beachieved.

Referring to FIGS. 13-21, an alternate embodiment is shown that has anumber of additional benefits. With the first described embodiment it ispossible to tighten the knobs 24 c and 26 a in intermediate positions ofthe slots 34, 38, respectively, resulting in partial insertion of therods 24 a, 40 within associated springs. This could result in thesprings excessively bending and stressing over shorter axial lengths tocause permanent deformations and damage to the springs. In order toavoid such potential damage, the modified embodiment is structured toensure that the knobs 24 c, 26 a can only be tightened when theassociated flex inhibiting rods are either fully retracted and withdrawnfrom a spring, permitting flexing over the exposed axial length of thespring, or fully extended and inserted into an associated spring toprevent any flexing of the spring. This is achieved by providing a cam26 e on the inwardly facing surface of the hub 26 d between the hub andthe portion of the bolt 26 b containing the threads 26 c. The cam 26 ehas a thickness and is positioned to project into and be effectivelycoextensive with and substantially having the same thickness as theslots 34, 38. However, the cam 26 e is formed to be substantiallyrectangular, with rounded corners, as shown, and to have a longer widthdimension W at its widest dimension and a smaller dimension w at itssmallest dimension, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. The smaller dimension wis selected to be substantially equal to the width of the slots 34, 38so when properly orientated in alignment with the slots, they can freelyslide within the slot with clearance. However, when the cam 28 e is notaxially aligned with the slot, it assumes a larger dimension than theslot up to the maximum dimension W, when it is orientated transverselyto the slot, and this prevents the knob 26 a from sliding along the slotbut can freely rotate within the larger lower and upper openings 38 a,38 b within the tubes 14 a, 14 b. This is also illustrated in FIGS. 14and 15 in relation to the slot 38, shown in phantom outline.

To prevent removal and possible misplacement and loss of knobs 24 c, 26a an arresting lock nut 52 is provided that has a hub 52 a that isinternally threaded to receive the threads 26 c and a rear surface 52 bprovided with a hex opening 52 c. In assembly, a flex inhibiting rod,shown as an upper rod 40 in FIGS. 18-21, is lowered to align thecircular opening 38 a with the threaded hole 48 within the upper rod.The rod 40 is also provided with a rear opening 40 c that is aligned inthis condition with a rear hole 14 d within the upper tube 14 b. Duringsuch aligned positions a hex wrench or other appropriate tool 54 may beinserted through the holes 14 d, 40 c to engage with the hex opening 52c. The arresting lock nut 52 is fixed in relation to the knob 26 a byfixing one and rotating the other relative thereto. The arresting locknut 52 may be securely engaged onto the threads 26 c for secureengagement. The arresting lock nut 52 is also sufficiently threadedlyengaged to prevent excessive radial movements of the cam 26 e and assurethat it remains substantially coextensive within the thickness of theupper tube 14 b in order to be maintained within the circular opening 38a or the slot 38. Once fully engaged and fixed, the tool 54 may beremoved. In order to ensure that the arresting lock nut 52 remains fixedto the threads 26 c any conventional methods may be used including pressfit connection, surface adhesives, Teflon tape, etc. Any of these andother approaches may be used to retain the arresting lock nut 52 inplace, with different degrees of advantage. It will be clear that oncethe arresting lock nut 52 has been fixed in place, the knob 26 a islimited or restricted in potential radial movements and this ensuresthat the cam 26 e always interacts with the slot in the upper tube 14 b.

The construction shown in FIGS. 13-21 ensures, therefore, that the knob26 a can only be tightened when the cam 26 e is arranged within one ofthe circular openings 38 a, 38 b. When the cam is arranged within theslot 38, the knob cannot be rotated and, therefore, the upper rod 40cannot be secured in place. When located within one of the circularopenings 38 a, 38 b the knob 26 a can rotate causing the arresting locknut 52 to bear pressure against the upper rod 40 as a result of therotation of the threaded hole 40 a in the upper rod 40. By applyingradially outward pressure on the upper rod 40, the rod is secured to theupper tube 14 b as a result of the friction between these two members.

Since the arresting lock nut 52 rotates with the rotation of the knob 26a, the lock nut 52 cannot rotate in a relation to the threads 26 c andcannot be separated from the knob 26 a. This prevents the knob frombeing inadvertently removed, as could be the case with the firstdescribed embodiment, and this ensures that the knob 26 a does notbecome misplaced or lost. Importantly, also, is that by ensuring thatthe knob 26 a can only be rotated when the cam 26 e is within one of thecircular openings 38 a, 38 b the rod 40 can only be tightened in itsupper most or lower most positions to prevent any flexing of itsassociated spring or to enable the spring to flex over its entireexposed axial length thus preventing possible damage to the spring.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles ofthe invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes willreadily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limitthe invention to the exact construction and operation shown anddescribed, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalentsmay be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What we claim:
 1. A multi-function striking bag comprising a base; anadjustable length elongate member having a lower free end and an upperfree end, said lower free end being normally supported by said base in asubstantial vertical orientation defining a vertical axis; a punchingbag supported on said upper free end of said elongate member; at leasttwo flexing members spaced from each other along said elongate memberand in line with said elongate member along said axis for providing anumber of flexing points along said axis corresponding to said at leasttwo flexing members; and a flex-inhibitor associated with each of saidat least two flexing members for selectively enabling an associatedflexing member to flex and provide a flexing point or preventing flexingof an associated flexing member from flexing to thereby prevent aflexing point, each flex inhibitor being in the form of a rod that isslidably mounted within said elongate member and is movable betweenaxial positions that selectively engage or clear an associated flexingmember.
 2. A multi-function striking bag as defined in claim 1, whereinsaid base is a hollow receptacle that can be filled with ballastmaterial such as water or sand.
 3. A multi-function striking bag asdefined in claim 1, wherein said adjustable length elongate membercomprises a pair of telescoping tubes.
 4. A multi-function striking bagas defined in claim 3, further comprising locking means for locking saidtelescoping tubes relative to each other to set and maintain a desiredheight of said punching bag above a surface supporting said base.
 5. Amulti-function striking bag as defined in claim 1, wherein two flexingmembers are provided.
 6. A multi-function striking bag as defined inclaim 5, wherein one flexing member is located at one end of saidelongate member proximate to said base and one flexing member is locatedat another end of said elongate member proximate to said punching bag.7. A multi-function striking bag as defined in claim 1, wherein eachflexing member comprises a helical spring having a spring axis that iscoincident with said vertical axis when the striking bag is not in use.8. A multi-function striking bag as defined in claim 7, wherein saidpunching bag has an external threaded mounting stud dimensioned to bethreadedly screwed into upper turns of an upper helical spring forsupporting said punching bag.
 9. A multi-function striking bag asdefined in claim 7, wherein said upper free end is provided with anexternal thread dimensioned to be threadedly screwed into lower turns ofan upper helical spring for supporting said upper helical spring.
 10. Amulti-function striking bag as defined in claim 1, further comprising asupport member having a flat disc attachable to said base and anintegrally formed hub provided with an internal thread dimensioned tothreadedly engage lower turns of a lower helical spring to support saidlower helical spring in relation to said base.
 11. A multi-functionstriking bag as defined in claim 7, wherein said lower free end isprovided with an external thread dimensioned to be threadedly screwedinto upper turns of a lower helical spring for supporting said elongatemember.
 12. A multi-function striking bag as defined in claim 1, whereineach flex-inhibitor includes a rigid rod slidably mounted for movementwithin said elongate member along said axis.
 13. A multi-functionstriking bag as defined in claim 12, wherein each flexing membercomprises a helical spring and said rigid rod associated with eachflex-inhibitor has a length and is arranged to be movable to a positioncoextensive with all turns of said helical spring that can be flexed toprevent flexing of the spring and to be retracted from said helical coilto clear said turns to allow flexing.
 14. A multi-function striking bagas defined in claim 13, further comprising locking means for selectivelylocking each rigid rod in positions to allow or inhibit flexing of saidturns.
 15. A multi-function striking bag as defined in claim 14, whereinsaid locking means comprises a vertical slot in a wall of said elongatemember; a gripping member including a threaded screw extending throughsaid vertical slot threadedly secured to said rigid rod, said grippingmember being variably spaced from said elongate member as a function ofa degree of rotation of said gripping member relative to said rigid rod;and a pressure pad interposed between said gripping member and anassociated portion of said elongate member, whereby movement of saidgripping member to a release position allows said rigid rod to movefreely within said elongate member while movement of said grippingmember to a lock position draws said gripping member closer to saidelongate member to apply pressure on said pressure pad to createfriction between said pressure pad and said elongate member toimmobilize said rod and prevent axial movements of said rod from alocked axial position.
 16. A multi-function striking bag as defined inclaim 15, wherein said pressure pad has a generally flat surface facingsaid gripping member and a contact surface that conforms to an outsidesurface of said elongate member to which it makes contact to increasesurface contact area and provide more reliable securement of said rigidrod in a locked condition to thereby ensure continued immobilization ofan associated flexing member by maintaining a rigid rod within anassociated helical spring.
 17. A multi-function striking bag as definedin claim 16, wherein said elongate member comprises a circularcylindrical tube having a predetermined diameter and said contactsurface defines a circular surface having a diameter that issubstantially equal to said predetermined diameter.
 18. A multi-functionstriking bag as defined in claim 1, further comprising a shock absorbingmember surrounding a flexing member arranged proximate to said punchingbag.
 19. A multi-function striking bag comprising a base; an adjustablelength elongate member having a lower free end and an upper free end,said lower free end being normally supported by said base in asubstantial vertical orientation defining a vertical axis; a punchingbag supported on said upper free end of said elongate member; at leasttwo helical springs spaced from each other along said elongate memberand in line with said elongate member along said axis for providing anumber of flexing points along said axis corresponding to each locationof a helical spring; and a flex-inhibitor associated with each of saidat least two helical spring for selectively enabling an associatedhelical spring to flex and provide a flexing point or preventing flexingof an associated helical spring from flexing to thereby prevent aflexing point, each flex inhibitor being in the form of a rod that isslidably mounted within said elongate member and is movable betweenaxial positions that selectively position a rod within a helical springto prevent flexing thereof or axially beyond turns of a helical springthat can flex to enable flexing thereof.
 20. A multi-function strikingbag comprising a base; an adjustable length elongate member formed oftelescoping tubes having a lower free end and an upper free end, saidlower free end being normally supported by said base in a substantialvertical orientation defining a vertical axis; a punching bag supportedon said upper free end of said elongate member; at least two helicalspring spaced from each other along said elongate member and in linewith said elongate member along said axis for providing a number offlexing points along said axis corresponding to positions of saidhelical springs; and a flex-inhibitor associated with each of said atleast two flexing members for selectively enabling an associated helicalspring to flex and provide a flexing point or preventing flexing of anassociated helical spring from flexing to thereby prevent a flexingpoint, each flex inhibitor being in the form of a rod that is slidablymounted within said elongate member and is movable between axialpositions that selectively position a rod within a helical spring toprevent flexing thereof or axially beyond turns of a helical spring thatcan flex to enable flexing thereof without changing the length of saidtelescoping tubes and without changing a selected height of saidpunching bag.